I'm a recently single Momma to three pre-teen girls, and a lover of anything home decor and beauty related. The House of Smiths is my own little part of the internet that allows me to share and document all of the life that happens under our roof!

1.16.2014

I can post whatever I want, when I want, and choose whether or not to fancy a picture up, or just post it like it is.

Maybe Instagram was a lot of the reason I stopped sharing all of the day to day stuff on our blog (?) hmm...

Aaaanyway, I've noticed that I have gotten the same questions about the same few tops that I've worn a bunch of times, and so I thought I'd answer them here, so once and for all, everyone who cares to know about where I got them., can! And if you don't... then peace out, see ya next time! :)

In no way is this a full-fledged post about how I'm still frustratingly stuck in between regular and plus size clothing right now and how I shop for myself... (((insert dramatic eye-roll here))), but more just a quick reference guide for a couple of pieces, just because I felt like randomly sharing.

Now, let me preface this post by saying:

1. Yes, there are a lot of pictures of me, but I am the sort of person who appreciates seeing what an actual shirt ON someone looks like. I can wear anything from an XL - 2X, depending on the brand, fabric and fit... but most things here are a 1X plus or XXL womens. Truth be told, I'd wear a 10x if it fit right and looked great. It's never mattered to me what a tag says, as long as it makes me look good :)

2. I know I pull the same two looks in almost every photo, and I'm completely aware that one is borderline duckface-ish.

Deal with it.

:-3 <<< that's the best duckface I could get with my keyboard.

3. I only have one REALLY good side when it comes to taking pictures, so it's usually always the same. (I'll prove this in another post soon, you'll see what I mean). And for those of you who don't have "bad" or "good" sides of your face... count yourself lucky.

4. I LOVE clothes! Always have, even when I was much heavier. I'm a firm believer that EVERY girl and woman, no matter what size, height or age, should feel freakin' AWESOME in what they're wearing. Clothes say SO much about you, who you are and what you think of yourself. While I realize that they don't completely define you, they sure can make a big difference in your confidence, the way you carry yourself during the day, and how others perceive you, especially during a first impression.

5. Due to reason #4, it's no surprise that I spend probably more time, energy, thought and money on clothes for me and my girls, than other people might.

So sue me :)

I shop often, typically only purchase clothes on sale, or with a coupon/reward points, and have 100% free shipping on 99% of the sites that I buy off of. (like Zulily for example). And truth be told, I only do all of THAT, so that I can buy double the clothes. Really, it all balances out in the end I'm sure. ha!

6. EVERY piece of clothing (except for ripped or ruined things from my kids) are handed down to one of my many younger nieces or friends. And to make myself feel better about my clothing-buying habits, I just have to think about my sister and sister-in-law. I don't think they've actually really had to buy clothes for THEIR girls, like, maybe ever! And lots of my clothes that I'm done with go to another sister in law... so if you think about it, my passion for cute threads is really helping others in need!

*how's that for justification eh?*

:)

Alright! Did I cover it all? I hope so.

Here were go!

The Houndstooth Jacket - I found this at Lane Bryant a few years ago, and LOVE it! I don't have a good pic, but the coat has an empire seam waist, and it's really slimming, even though it's long.

I did a little bit of research, and found out that you can get almost an identical one at Torrid, or One Stop Plus online. Both free shipping I believe!

Sequin Bow Headwrap - Snagged this cute ear warmer at a Payless shoe store for about $6! They sell them online too. For girls with short hair, "hats" like this in the winter are the BEST, because then you don't look bald with a full beanie on, when you just want to cover up your freezing ears! :)

Fur-lined Hoodie - Zulily sale. Sorry, I cut the tag out bc it was itching me one day, and now I don't know the brand... but I've seen it on there a bunch of times! It's a cropped hoodie, so it's short in length, but really cute!

The peterpan collar shirts - DownEast Basics. Their clothes are ADORABLE! Note... I always wear the XXL there. Most of their shirts have little to no stretch in them, so just keep that in mind. And yes, both this black and white ikat shirt (which I wear too much I think. ha!) and the blue one in the picture down lower, are the same style.

I say if you love the way something fits a lot, and it comes in different colors or patterns, grab another!

Polka dot sweater(s) - Lane Bryant. Again, I loved it, so I got both colors. ha! I wear them all the time, they're thin and breathe, so I don't get too hot, which is nice.

56 comments:

Awesome post! I love your style and we wear the same size so this post spoke to me =) Definitely going to be paying more attention to Downeast Basics. I've seen the ikat shirt and passed it up but it looks adorable on! Need it, lol

Honestly, if you haven't already, you should totally sell all the clothes that don't fit you on ebay, or using Google store for your blog. You could certainly make enough money to support your new shopping, I would buy every single thing!

I am a plus size gal. I buy most of my clothes at Belk. I also have 4 boys (one 12 yr old and triplets that are 7). I also buy most of their clothes at Belk. If you know their sale cycle, you can really score some great deals. I also shop alot at the thrift store for the triplets.

Loved this post SO much - THANK YOU SHELLY!! You always look just darling, really pretty and classy so it's great to get the run-down on the where and why and whatever :) P.S. Costco has leopard print pj's for like $14 around Christmas (2 years in a rown now) and they're SUPERSOFT and now I notice that they're also starting to carry XXL sizes - YIPPEEEE!! P.S.S. so, how do we justify our home decor purchases? ;)

Good for you that you are taking a break. In my opinion, you do not have to explain anything. Just say - takin' a break. Back in a bit. Please yourself, not others. It is your life. Embrace the different seasons. Thanks for sharing your abundant talents with us.

I love these posts. I love home design but this is good stuff, too, and I'm happy you're sharing. Also wanted to tell you how thrilled I was when you posted the pic of Britta...February 7th our baby girl arrives (she'll be 8.5 weeks old) and she's the spitting image of Britta! We're so excited!

"I'm a firm believer that EVERY girl and woman, no matter what size, height or age, should feel freakin' AWESOME in what they're wearing. " This line got me. I have gained about 30 pounds but except for a few things here and there, I have refuse to change my wardrobe until I "lose weight". Unfortunately, getting dressed everyday has become a chore for me. Thank you for sharing. It's always great to read your posts/blogs.

Shelley, thanks much for all these little details. I walk around most of the time in the same clothes (which are very few) because I dispise clothes shopping.I wear a uniform at work, so when I'm home, it's usually sweats and t's for me. Not flattering at ALL, I know. I turn down alot of invitations for social gatherings because I simply don't have anything to wear. So, thanks again, doll, for inviting us into your world, giving your wonderful advice freely, and helping some of us feel better about ourselves. You are appreciated.Lots of love from Florida~gwynn

Shelley, as far as I'm concerned, on your blog there is no such thing as too many photos! You look great and I love your clothes... and I have always loved your confidence. You are beautiful! Thank you for all the great info today, too.

Thank you for your clothing post - it has given me ideas to check out. I love to get my short sleeve and long sleeve basic t-shirts from Sam's Club. They are Eddie Bauer brand and they are a nice thickness. Not too thick but not too thin(esp. for me with hot flashes goin on) and the price is right. I think the short sleeve sell around $6 or $7 and the long sleeve are around $9 or $10. Depending on the size, which I like the XL & XXL size, they come in all different colors and crew or V-necks. They even sold a waffle weave one this winter which I just had to get! Those are my go to shirts.

Thank you for your clothing post - it has given me ideas to check out. I love to get my short sleeve and long sleeve basic t-shirts from Sam's Club. They are Eddie Bauer brand and they are a nice thickness. Not too thick but not too thin(esp. for me with hot flashes goin on) and the price is right. I think the short sleeve sell around $6 or $7 and the long sleeve are around $9 or $10. Depending on the size, which I like the XL & XXL size, they come in all different colors and crew or V-necks. They even sold a waffle weave one this winter which I just had to get! Those are my go to shirts.

I always love your clothes posts! You look adorable all the time! I am sort of in the same place as you are body wise. Not really plus size but not "regular size" either. So frustrating! Plus I'm tall so that's rough. But I also love downeast and agree about the sizing. Anything not downeast brand they carry tends to be a bit on the short side for me too but I love so many things I have gotten from there and find the sizing chart to be pretty accurate. Recently I've bought several dresses on clearance from Lands End and LOVE them. They are modest and classic and I can dress them up with a sweater or cute jewelry. I will say that I feel like their plus sized section tends to be a little on the large side. Even though their XL misses and 1X plus supposedly cover the same dress sizes, the 1X is too big for me. BUT they do free shipping on exchanges and guarantee everything which is awesome.

I LOVE Targets plus size section. Their clothes always fit me well since I'm not busty but a little heavy. I LOVE Lane Bryants pj's, underwear, and bras, they are great quality and fit me perfectly. Macy's carries a brand called American Rags that I also LOVE.

Just wanted to say, your haircut is so cute. You have the perfect face for the angled bob- your cheekbones are amazing, I'm way lady crushing on them. From one twin mom to another, I know "stillness" is hard to come by but so worth it when it's found. Much love to you and yours this year.

You're so cute! And I LOVE your style. I totally agree with you too, if you look good, you feel good! I always feel so bleh on the days when I don't do hair or makeup and walk around in yoga pants. Cute clothes help me feel cute! And after reading through this, I am realizing I use exclamation points way too much. Ha!

First of all, looking through all of those pictures, you don't have a bad side! You are georgous! I am envious of how put together you look all the time. I've never been a good shopper for myself because I don't know what looks good. I feel like I don't know how to shop for myself therefore I always shop for my kids!

Love all your clothes. I follow you on Instagram and what I want to know is what color/brand your bright pink lipstick is that you're wearing with the Be Still sweatshirt? So hard to find the perfect color by just looking at the tube, and I've been wanting a perfect pink that stays on.

Cute post! Even though I'm not one of the followers that asked about your adorable clothes, I appreciate the deets. And I totally agree with #4. I used to be heavier too, and most people are amazed at the lbs I've lost because I didn't look like I weighed that much, mostly because I love clothes and dressed to make myself look and feel my BEST!

My favorite place to shop for clothes (plus size or not) is Maurice's. While I can't wear everything they sell, I know what cuts of the clothes fit me best and will make me feel amazing. And luckily the girls at my local store are SO great and help me find what fits me well, every time I go in. (I shop there online a lot too)

I love your style! I would love, love LOVE a list of your favorite places! And what's all this business about your "good" side?! You are adorable, just sayin... My favorite places, well Lane Bryant, Old Navy (mostly because I just scored a $15 wool pea coat there yesterday), Dress Barn, and sometime I find something special at Khol's in the Vera Wang section. Thanks for all your inspiration! <3

Love your blog! You were one of my inspirations to take the plunge and start mine! I would love for you to stop by my blog and give me some of your tips! Thanks! Oh and I LOVE that houndstooth jacket!! Kathy www.thedailynest.com

Have you ever tried GwynnieBee? You... rent... clothes. Via mail. It sounds maybe weird but it's the best thing I've ever done. They have fabulous styles and brands, especially plus sizes. It seems like it would REALLY be up your alley (we are similar sizes)... and I, too, am working on losing weight, and I love the idea of having new clothes even though I don't want to invest in too much knowing they might be too big soon.

If anyone has any questions about it feel free to ask!! This is my referral link - I get a bonus item every month if you click, but no obligation :) They also have a FREE 30-day trial - but beware, you will get hooked :)

Guess what? I love you on Instagram and I've followed your blog for some time now too. I love how you decorate, how cute you dress (and how adorable your girls always looks), your honesty and just you! OK, now I sound like a stalker. Ha ha! I appreciate this post. I think it's so easy to beat ourselves up over what we do and don't do but in all reality, I think we all do enough and deserve to sometimes do less and as you said, be still. Enjoy the moments of less and thanks for always sharing from your heart. You are so relatable!

hey there I love your style and I am personally plus sized. I think you would love the plus size from Kmart called love your style love your size as it is very fashion forward and fun. Walmart also had a fun line last year caller plus Moda or Moda plus that I loved. you would love both! love your style!

After recently finding your blog and reading this post and some older ones, I decided I was going to stop feeling bad about my weight gain, start taking care of myself and embrace being who I am right now (well most days). Thank you so much for that. I decided now that I only have 2 pairs of pants and some t shirts that fit and live most days in PJ's, I need new clothes. I was wondering how you order the right size on Zulilly ( yes I read the size charts on everything) I recently order two 2x tops I wear a xl or 1x most places and a 40DD and both were to small. I was just curious if you have had any issues or know brands that they sell reg that fit well.

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